Travel Insurance – Europe – Schengen Visa Insurance

1. What is Schengen visa insurance?


Schengen visa insurance is a type of travel insurance that is required for individuals from non-European Union countries to visit any of the 26 Schengen member countries. The Schengen Area includes most countries in Europe and allows for hassle-free movement between borders without the need for individual country visas. The insurance covers medical expenses, repatriation, and emergency assistance during the duration of the traveler’s stay in the Schengen Area.

2. Do I need travel insurance for a Schengen visa?

Yes, travel insurance is a mandatory requirement for obtaining a Schengen visa. Your travel insurance must meet the minimum coverage requirements set by the Schengen area, which includes coverage for medical emergencies, repatriation of remains, and medical evacuation.

3. What is the minimum coverage required for travel insurance with a Schengen visa?
The minimum coverage required for travel insurance with a Schengen visa is €30,000 (or equivalent in your local currency). This amount covers medical emergencies, repatriation of remains, and medical evacuation.

4. Can I use my existing health insurance as travel insurance for my Schengen visa?
It depends on your existing health insurance policy. If your policy meets the minimum coverage requirements of the Schengen area and provides coverage for the entire duration of your trip, then you can use it as travel insurance for your Schengen visa. However, it is recommended to check with your insurance provider to ensure that your policy is valid and accepted in the countries you will be visiting.

5. Can I purchase travel insurance after my Schengen visa has been approved?
Yes, you can purchase travel insurance after your Schengen visa has been approved. However, it is recommended to purchase it at the same time as you apply for your visa to avoid any delays or issues with your application.

6. What happens if my travel plans change after purchasing travel insurance for my Schengen visa?
If your travel plans change after purchasing travel insurance for your Schengen visa, you should inform your insurer about the changes immediately. Depending on the terms and conditions of your policy, you may be able to make changes or cancel your policy and obtain a refund.

7. What does a typical travel insurance policy cover?
A typical travel insurance policy covers emergency medical expenses, trip cancellation/interruption, baggage loss/delay/theft, personal liability, and some other common risks related to travel. However, the coverage may vary depending on the policy and insurance provider.

8. Can I purchase travel insurance from any company for my Schengen visa?
No, you must purchase travel insurance from a company that is recognized and approved by the consulates of the Schengen countries. You can check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are applying to for a list of approved insurance providers.

9. How much does travel insurance for a Schengen visa cost?
The cost of travel insurance for a Schengen visa varies depending on several factors such as age, trip duration, number of travelers, coverage limits, etc. On average, it can range from $50 to $150 per person.

10. How long should my travel insurance coverage be valid for my Schengen visa?
Your travel insurance should be valid for the entire duration of your trip to the Schengen area. It should also have at least 15 days of coverage after your intended date of departure from the Schengen area in case of unexpected delays or changes in your travel plans.

3. What countries require Schengen visa insurance?


There are 26 countries that are part of the Schengen Area and require Schengen visa insurance for travelers seeking to enter their territories. These countries are: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands , Norway , Poland , Portugal , Slovakia , Slovenia , Spain , Sweden and Switzerland.

4. How much does Schengen visa insurance cost?


The cost of Schengen visa insurance can vary depending on the length of your trip, your age, and the coverage options you choose. On average, it can range from around $20 to $100 per person for a short trip of less than 30 days. For longer or more extensive coverage, the cost may be higher. It is important to compare prices and coverage options from different insurance providers to find the best deal for your specific needs.

5. What does Schengen visa insurance cover?


Schengen visa insurance typically covers medical expenses such as hospitalization, emergency treatment, and repatriation of remains in case of death. It may also cover other travel-related risks such as trip cancellation or interruption, lost or stolen baggage, transportation accidents, and liability. However, coverage may vary depending on the policy and insurance provider.

6. Is Schengen visa insurance mandatory?


Yes, Schengen visa insurance is mandatory for all travelers visiting the Schengen area. It is a requirement set by the European Union to ensure that visitors have adequate medical coverage during their stay in the region. It must meet minimum coverage requirements of at least 30,000 euros and must be valid for the entire duration of the trip. Failure to provide proof of adequate travel insurance may result in the visa application being rejected.

7. Can I use any travel insurance for my Schengen visa?

No, you will need to purchase travel insurance specifically designed for Schengen visa applications. This type of insurance must meet certain requirements set by the European Union, such as covering medical expenses up to €30,000 and being valid for the entire intended stay in the Schengen area.

8. How long should my travel insurance policy be valid for a Schengen visa?


Your travel insurance policy should be valid for the entire duration of your stay in the Schengen area. The minimum required coverage is €30,000 for medical expenses.

In some cases, the consulate or embassy may require the insurance to be valid for a few days before and after your intended dates of travel. It is always best to check with the specific country’s embassy for their requirements.

It is important to note that if you plan on extending your stay in the Schengen area, you will need to make sure that your insurance policy still covers the new dates. If it expires during your extended stay, you will need to purchase a new policy before your current one expires.

Additionally, if you have multiple trips planned within the validity period of your insurance policy, it should cover all of those trips as well.

9. Does the coverage for pre-existing conditions differ for Schengen visa insurance?


Yes, the coverage for pre-existing conditions can differ for Schengen visa insurance. Some policies may exclude coverage for any pre-existing medical conditions, while others may offer limited coverage for these conditions. It is important to carefully read and understand the terms and conditions of your policy before purchasing it to ensure that any pre-existing conditions are covered if needed.

10. Can I cancel my travel insurance if my Schengen visa is denied?


Yes, you can cancel your travel insurance if your Schengen visa is denied. However, it is important to check the terms and conditions of your policy regarding cancelations and refunds. Some travel insurance providers may allow you to cancel your policy and receive a refund if your visa application is denied, while others may not offer this option. It is best to contact your insurance provider for specific details on their cancelation policy in case of a visa denial.

11. Will my existing health insurance cover me in the Schengen area?


It depends on the terms and coverage of your existing health insurance policy. Some health insurance plans may offer coverage in the Schengen area, while others may only cover you in your home country. It is important to check with your insurance provider to see if you are covered in the Schengen area or if you need to purchase additional travel medical insurance. It is also recommended to check the minimum coverage requirements for Schengen visa applicants, as this can vary depending on the country you are applying from.

12. Are there any age restrictions for getting Schengen visa insurance?


There are no specific age restrictions for getting Schengen visa insurance. However, insurance companies may have their own age limits and restrictions for providing coverage, so it is advisable to check with the specific insurance provider. Moreover, older travelers may be required to pay a higher premium due to potential risks and medical expenses associated with age. It is important to thoroughly read and understand the terms and conditions of the insurance policy before purchasing it.

13. Is emergency medical evacuation covered under Schengen visa insurance?


Yes, emergency medical evacuation is covered under Schengen visa insurance. The insurance policy must cover all expenses necessary for the transportation of the insured person to their home country or to a medical facility for necessary treatment in case of accident or sudden illness.

14. Can I get a refund on my travel insurance if I leave the Schengen area earlier than expected?

The answer to this question may vary depending on the specific travel insurance policy you purchased. Some policies do offer partial refunds for unused coverage if you leave the Schengen area earlier than expected. However, it is important to carefully review your policy details and contact your insurance provider for more information. Additionally, some policies may only provide a refund if the reason for leaving early is due to extenuating circumstances such as a medical emergency, so make sure to check with your provider before assuming you will receive a refund.

15. Are adventure sports and activities covered under Schengen visa insurance?

No, adventure sports and activities are not automatically covered under Schengen visa insurance. It is important to check with your insurance provider if they offer coverage for adventure sports and activities as an additional add-on to the basic insurance coverage.

16. Is dental treatment covered under Schengen visa insurance?

Dental treatment may be covered under Schengen visa insurance, depending on the specific policy. It is important to carefully review the terms and conditions of the policy to understand what types of dental procedures are covered and any limitations or exclusions that may apply. It is also recommended to communicate with the insurance provider directly to inquire about coverage for specific dental treatments.

17. Do I need to purchase separate travel medical and trip cancellation coverage for my Schengen Visa?


Yes, you will need to purchase separate travel medical and trip cancellation coverage for your Schengen Visa. The insurance requirements for a Schengen Visa include adequate medical coverage for the entire duration of your stay in the Schengen area, as well as coverage for repatriation of remains and emergency medical evacuation. Additionally, you must have coverage for trip cancellation or interruption that is valid throughout the entire Schengen territory. This means that your policy needs to cover all 26 countries in the Schengen Zone. It is important to carefully review the insurance requirements set by the embassy or consulate where you are applying for your visa and make sure that your policy meets all of their criteria.

18.RWhat kind of documentation do I need to provide when purchasing Schengen Visa Insurance?


When purchasing Schengen Visa Insurance, you will need to provide documentation that proves you meet the minimum coverage requirements set by the European Union. This may include:

1. Proof of travel itinerary: A copy of your flight reservations or travel itinerary showing your dates of departure and return.

2. Proof of accommodation: A confirmation of hotel bookings or an invitation from a host in a Schengen country, if applicable.

3. Valid passport: Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months after your intended stay in the Schengen area.

4. Visa application documents: The specific documents required for your visa application, which can vary depending on your country of origin and purpose of travel.

5. Completed insurance application form: The insurance provider may require you to complete an application form with personal and trip information.

6. Payment receipt: A copy of your payment receipt for the insurance premium.

7. Insurance policy documents: The insurance company will provide you with a detailed document outlining the terms and conditions of your policy, including coverage amounts and exclusions.

8. Proof of insurance payment: In some cases, you may be required to provide proof that the insurance premium has been paid in full.

It is recommended to contact the embassy or consulate representing the Schengen country you are planning to visit for specific documentation requirements. It is important to have all necessary documentation prepared before submitting your visa application to avoid delays or rejection.

19.Can I purchase Schengen Visa Insurance after arrival in Europe?

It is not recommended to purchase Schengen Visa Insurance after arrival in Europe. It is important to have valid insurance coverage before traveling to the Schengen area. Most insurance providers require that the policy be purchased before the start of the trip and some embassies may also reject your visa application if you do not have proof of insurance coverage at the time of application. Additionally, any unexpected medical expenses that occur during your trip will not be covered if you purchase insurance after arriving in Europe.

20.Is it possible to extend my coverage period if I decide to stay longer in the European Union than planned?


Yes, it is possible to extend your coverage period if you decide to stay longer in the European Union than originally planned. You will need to contact your insurance provider and request an extension of your coverage period. They may require you to provide documentation or pay an additional fee for the extension. It is important to keep in mind that extensions may not be possible for all types of insurance plans and it is best to check with your provider in advance.